Month: April 2014

The Dark Side of Lieber’s Code (or, Cheneyite Jurisprudence)

The 150th Anniversary of Lieber’s Code was celebrated by the International Humanitarian Law (Law of War) community in 2013 for the embryonic role the Code played in the development of the law of war. But while issuing Lieber’s Code is often credited as the founding of the law of war, in fact, Lieber’s Code is … Continue reading “The Dark Side of Lieber’s Code (or, Cheneyite Jurisprudence)”

Who Was Behind the Syrian Sarin ‘False Flag’ Attack?

It’s in somewhat dubious taste to start off a column by saying "I told you so," but in this case that’s the shortest and indeed only way to convey my reaction to Seymour Hersh’s piece in the London Review of Books revealing that the chemical attack which nearly triggered a full-scale US military operation against … Continue reading “Who Was Behind the Syrian Sarin ‘False Flag’ Attack?”

The CIAtanic Verses

The definition of torture has been in some dispute since ancient times. Julius Caesar had the Illyrian pirates who kidnapped him executed before they were crucified. "Caesar is merciful," he supposedly said, "you did not torture me and I will not torture you." But the erstwhile conqueror of Gaul’s abductors didn’t see it that way. … Continue reading “The CIAtanic Verses”

Hijacking the American Plane of State

Originally posted at TomDispatch. Isn’t there something strangely reassuring when your eyeballs are gripped by a “mystery” on the news that has no greater meaning and yet sweeps all else away? This, of course, is the essence of the ongoing tale of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Except to the relatives of those … Continue reading “Hijacking the American Plane of State”

A Note From My Sickbed

I’ve come down with a bad case of diverticulitis, so I’m in bed, only occasionally able to traipse to my desk. Aside from episodes of sudden extreme pain, it’s the medication that makes it nearly impossible to write, which is frustrating for me. So no column today, unfortunately. But I’ll be back on Monday – … Continue reading “A Note From My Sickbed”

Why Turkey Was Planning a False Flag Operation in Syria

You’ve probably heard about the recent leaked conversations involving Turkey. It was stunning to hear the highest-ranking Turks causally discussing how to provoke a false flag incident that would justify a large military intervention in Syria. This is a big deal because Turkish troops in Syria opens the door to NATO troops in Syria, which … Continue reading “Why Turkey Was Planning a False Flag Operation in Syria”